Ed Kranepool, the New York Mets' original face and franchise player, passed away at 79, marking a significant loss for the team. Known for being the first big-name signing from James Monroe High and contributing to the 1969 World Series championship, Kranepool's legacy extends beyond statistics. He remained a beloved figure in the Mets community, participating actively for 45 years post-career. In tribute, the Mets plan to display his No. 7 on their sleeves in 2025, and his family honored him by throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field.
The thing about Eddie when I think about his career, when people talk about him, it's not so much about statistics, what he did a certain day, Shamsky said on Friday, prior to the Mets' 2025 home opener at Citi Field. It's about two things: It's about him being the first big-name Met who was signed as a kid, 17 years old.
Kranepool passed away at the age of 79 in his home in Florida on Sept. 8, of course, watching the Mets.
The original face of the franchise will have his No. 7 adorned on the sleeves of the 2025 squad throughout the season.
I'm so happy that the team is honoring him, Shamsky, who was friends with Kranepool for 57 years, said. It's well-deserved.
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